Life is better with a Maltese dog!
The Maltese is gentle, affectionate, intelligent, responsive and trusting. A good family dog, Maltese are lively, playful, vigorous, and they generally enjoys learning tricks.
MALTESE SIZE
The Maltese dog can grow to 7-10 inches tall at the shoulder (21-25 cm). The males tend to be taller than females. The breed’s length often equals its height, making the body well-proportioned. The Maltese weighs about 7 pounds (3 kg) on average, but healthy adults can weigh anywhere between 3-10 pounds.
MALTESE PERSONALITY
Maltese are an exceptionally friendly and intelligent dog breed. They are very trusting of people, even as puppies. Their trusting and social nature doesn’t just extend to people – they are often friendly with other canines and pets as well. This feature makes the breed an excellent choice for families with multiple pets. The Maltese is generally a curious, energetic, and playful dog breed.
The intelligence and trusting nature of the Maltese dog makes them easy to bond with, and even easier to train. They respond very well to positive reinforcement. You can get your Maltese to master a ton of tricks in no time, as long as you reward them with plenty of praise and love (and treats!).
Maltese dogs thrive on human interaction. They crave attention and can get lonely or anxious if they don’t get enough interaction with their owners. This breed loves to be cuddled and held, and their small size makes them perfect for the job. These traits make the Maltese a fantastic therapy dog for people needing emotional support. They are also loyal and keen to danger, making them reliable watchdogs.
Are Maltese healthy? How long do they live?
Maltese typically live 12-15 years. I owed to adorable Maleste dogs Savannah who lived until 14 because she was allergic to bee using the restroom in grass. Bella lived a week before her 18th birthday due to complications from a trachea stint.
But whether they actually make it to that age depends largely on YOU.
RESCUE GROUPS
There are many groups dedicated to rescuing Maltese dogs. The American Maltese Association Rescue is a nonprofit run by volunteers that care for neglected, abused, or abandoned Maltese dogs around the nation. They rescue from the streets, shelters, and homes. This group ensures each Maltese gets proper veterinary care and places them in foster homes until they can find the perfect adoptive family for the dog.
The Northcentral Maltese Rescue is another nonprofit that operates nationwide. They work to rehabilitate and re-home surrendered Maltese dogs. The group finances all the dogs’ veterinary care themselves and relies primarily on public donations.
MALTESE ORGANIZATIONS
The American Maltese Association, an affiliate of the American Kennel Club, was organized in 1906. There are currently 250 members in the association in 4 regional clubs. The club holds specialty shows for the breed multiple times a year.
If you are curious about Maltese organizations in your area, try searching on Google for local clubs. For example, the Maltese Club of Southern California works to promote the exhibition and education of the breed. They host events and fundraise for the preservation of Maltese all over the nation.
Maltese dogs are good with cats
Maltese dogs are known to be affectionate and friendly but do they get along with cats? Yes, a Maltese that has been properly socialized can get along with a cat, even become great friends with them. The socialization of your Maltese is very important in the development of a stable, non-aggressive, and friendly dog.